Paul Z passes on
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
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Paul Z passes on
Paul Zazarine died Monday, January 3, 2011.
Paul was selected to be the first editor of Corvette Fever when it was purchased by Dobbs Publishing. (And he was the only editor who asked me for assistance and ideas on improving the publication.) He dumped the “Vette Mate” (not my idea but a good one) and molded Corvette Fever into a good looking, exciting and informative source of information on Corvettes of all generations. Under his care, it became the best selling and most popular national Corvette publication. After Paul, CF had a succession of editors but Paul was always my favorite: very competent, encouraging, and gifted.
Paul was also dedicated to and instrumental in creation of the National Corvette Museum. Many Corvette enthusiasts have seen Paul at Corvette events, or on television as a noted source on Corvettes or Muscle Cars. He was a very big guy but never pushed his weight around. He was never arrogant, mean-spirited or curt. Paul was always kind, concerned, cheerful, enthusiastic -- and funny, too.
One day I met Paul for lunch at the local Wing House. The gorgeous waitress came up to Paul and gushed, “You look familiar, I’ve seen you somewhere!” Paul, flattered, smiled and said something like, “Well, maybe it was on TV on a car show.” She mulled this over and replied, “Noooo, it was… Oh, yes, it was at the free clinic!” Paul knew instantly I set this up, and he nearly fell off the stool laughing.
Paul’s knowledge lives on in the many automotive books and articles he wrote. Paul’s spirit lives on in the people who have the great pleasure of knowing him. I can still hear his voice saying “Hey John” and see the smile on his face.
There will be a memorial to celebrate Paul’s life on January 16, 2011 from 6 to 9 PM at Carl Black Buick-GMC, 11500 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32817. Special guest include Lexi Zazarine - his beautiful and wonderful wife, Jim Wangers - the “Godfather of the GTO,” Dave Anderson and others.
If other forum members are going too, PM if you’d like to meet.
Also of anyone knows of the best means to post this on all generation forums, that is appreciated. Paul and many of his friends drove late-model Corvette’s too.
Thanks,
John Pfanstiehl
Paul was selected to be the first editor of Corvette Fever when it was purchased by Dobbs Publishing. (And he was the only editor who asked me for assistance and ideas on improving the publication.) He dumped the “Vette Mate” (not my idea but a good one) and molded Corvette Fever into a good looking, exciting and informative source of information on Corvettes of all generations. Under his care, it became the best selling and most popular national Corvette publication. After Paul, CF had a succession of editors but Paul was always my favorite: very competent, encouraging, and gifted.
Paul was also dedicated to and instrumental in creation of the National Corvette Museum. Many Corvette enthusiasts have seen Paul at Corvette events, or on television as a noted source on Corvettes or Muscle Cars. He was a very big guy but never pushed his weight around. He was never arrogant, mean-spirited or curt. Paul was always kind, concerned, cheerful, enthusiastic -- and funny, too.
One day I met Paul for lunch at the local Wing House. The gorgeous waitress came up to Paul and gushed, “You look familiar, I’ve seen you somewhere!” Paul, flattered, smiled and said something like, “Well, maybe it was on TV on a car show.” She mulled this over and replied, “Noooo, it was… Oh, yes, it was at the free clinic!” Paul knew instantly I set this up, and he nearly fell off the stool laughing.
Paul’s knowledge lives on in the many automotive books and articles he wrote. Paul’s spirit lives on in the people who have the great pleasure of knowing him. I can still hear his voice saying “Hey John” and see the smile on his face.
There will be a memorial to celebrate Paul’s life on January 16, 2011 from 6 to 9 PM at Carl Black Buick-GMC, 11500 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32817. Special guest include Lexi Zazarine - his beautiful and wonderful wife, Jim Wangers - the “Godfather of the GTO,” Dave Anderson and others.
If other forum members are going too, PM if you’d like to meet.
Also of anyone knows of the best means to post this on all generation forums, that is appreciated. Paul and many of his friends drove late-model Corvette’s too.
Thanks,
John Pfanstiehl
Last edited by Spot Rot; Jan 5, 2011 at 11:08 AM. Reason: typo
Intermediate
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38
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From: Bolton CT
A great guy. Fell in love with his editorials way back when he was at Muscle Car Review. I finally got to meet him through the Corvette hobby. Paul gave me my first magazine writing opportunity while he was at Corvette Fever. With his encouragement he turned it into a monthly column that lasted for years. I’ll always remember him for that. Thanks Paul. RIP
Sal Carbone
Sal Carbone
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From: Eads, Tennessee
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